Clinical Research Assessment Specialist

Sanford Health•Fargo, ND

About The Position

Sanford Research is seeking a Clinical Research Assessment Specialist to conduct assessments and support research studies in eating disorders, obesity, and bariatric surgery. The role primarily involves conducting psychological assessments and interviews with participants enrolled in clinical research studies, while also helping scientists run research protocols and interacting closely with participants. This advanced research position coordinates multiple clinical research studies and clinical trials, including study-required testing and procedures. The specialist works with principal investigators and the research team to support safe, compliant investigational treatments or interventions and follow-up in accordance with established protocols. The role also involves confirming study eligibility, preparing research documentation, abstracting data from medical records, coordinating with ancillary departments, and handling regulatory-board matters such as Institutional Review Board requirements. The position is based in Sanford Research’s Division of Biobehavioral Research, a clinical research and education facility that collaborates with clinical colleagues on scientific projects intended to improve the lives of patients and their families. The specialist is expected to contribute to education about the research process and work as a self-motivated, self-directed critical thinker in partnership with investigators and other research team members.

Requirements

Master's degree in a clinically relevant field, including clinical or counseling psychology; alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with relevant years of experience may be considered.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to organize complex components of research projects and clinical trials.
Self-motivated, self-directed, autonomous critical thinker able to accomplish daily tasks in partnership with investigators and the research team.

Nice To Haves

Experience in psychology, social work, behavioral health, human services, counseling, case management, patient advocacy, or another related field.
Experience working directly with individuals in clinical, community-based, or human services settings, including conducting interviews, assessments, education, or care coordination.

Responsibilities

Coordinate multiple clinical research studies and trials, including study-required testing and procedures.
Conduct psychological assessments and interviews with participants, primarily those with eating disorders or obesity, or who have had or will have bariatric surgery.
Collaborate with principal investigators to support safe and compliant investigational treatment or intervention and follow-up under established research protocols.
Review inclusion and exclusion criteria and source documents to confirm study eligibility.
Prepare case report forms and collect source documents for sponsor or audit review.
Abstract data from medical records, clinic, consultation, and referral notes for study forms and flow sheets.
Review protocol requirements and collaborate with ancillary departments—including clinic and infusion nursing, pharmacy, radiology, pathology, nurse navigators, dieticians, and laboratory personnel—to support subject safety and protocol compliance.
Handle regulatory-board matters associated with clinical research, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) matters.
Assist scientists in running research protocols and interact closely with research participants.
Participate in educating patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel about the research process.